Three Independent Directors
New Zealand
- Lead the establishment of Kaikōura – Hurunui Water Services, a new joint Water Services CCO
- Foundation Governance Leadership Opportunity
- Intergenerational Focus
About The Role:
Kaikōura – Hurunui Water Services is a new joint water services entity being established by the Kaikōura and Hurunui District Councils. This is a rare opportunity to lead governance for a multi-year transformation that will bring together people, systems, technology and services into a single, future-ready organisation.
We are seeking three independent directors to form the inaugural board, shaping the vision, strategic direction and establishment of a new commercial entity, ensuring robust governance, strong stakeholder engagement, effective risk management and high-quality decision making. This is governance with genuine intergenerational impact, overseeing critical infrastructure that communities rely on every day, while navigating complex regulatory requirements and the realities of affordability for customers.
Directors will be appointed by late February/early March 2026, ahead of commencement of operations from around mid-2026. Term of appointment is based on a staggered 3-year cycle. One of the Directors will be elected as Chair. There will be a further two independent Directors appointed by the Councils.
These are legacy roles. You’ll be instrumental in building a new organisation that will serve communities ensuring safe drinking water for generations. You’ll work with committed partners and have a clear mandate, with the opportunity to make your mark.
What we are looking for
We seek Directors who collectively bring:
- Governance experience, particularly in regulated environments or managing infrastructure and capital investment
- Strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement to guide an organisation through establishment, change and transition
- Financial and commercial acumen to oversee treasury, AR, debt, long-term planning, financial regulation and balance sheet management
- Infrastructure, engineering or asset management expertise in water services, network utilities, or comparable
- Human resources, legal and organisational development skills
- Community focus and understanding of the challenges of delivering public services in rural NZ.
These are skills needed across the board, not requirements for every individual Director. One Director will have capability to be the Chair.
To view the Kaikōura – Hurunui Water Services plan please click here.